This month I am highlighting another “blast from the past” (as the oldies radio stations used to say) in the continuance of my series of posts about the most popular and recommended Cozy mystery series. Elizabeth Peters‘ Amelia Peabody series began way back in 1975 with Crocodile on the Sandbank and continued until 2017 with the 20th book in the series co-written by Joan Hess, no less.
Crocodile on the Sandbank is, at its heart, an adventure (with some romance thrown in!) story. Set in Victorian times in the 19th century, the story is narrated in the first person by Amelia Peabody, a (mostly) enlightened no-nonsense woman who unexpectedly receives an inheritance that allows her a certain amount of freedom. She resolves to use some of the money to travel to Europe and ultimately Egypt.
Along the way, she encounters a young disinherited heiress who has fainted in the ruins of the Roman Forum. Amelia swoops in to save the day. Ultimately, Amelia hires the young woman, Evelyn Barton-Forbes to be her traveling companion, and the adventures and mysterious occurrences begin.
The pair travel to Egypt. Amelia has a special interest in Egyptology (as had her father), and it turns out she also has a gift for archeology. Of course, in the 19th century, archeology as a true science was pretty new, and women were discouraged from pursuing any vocation outside of the home. So, even though there are many obstacles in her way, Amelia more or less falls into the field of Egyptology which becomes one of the passions of her life.
Crocodile on the Sandbank is written in what I would call a classic style. The first-person narrative unfolds at a quite leisurely pace. The mystery takes quite a few pages to begin to unfold. If you are someone who wants a murder to happen within the first few pages of a cozy mystery, you must look elsewhere! But, if you are looking for something a bit different — more like a mystery and adventure movie from the 1930s or 40s, this story, I think, will fulfill your wishes.
Elizabeth Peters (aka Barbara Michaels and Barbara Mertz) writes a compelling story set in the world of 19th century Egyptology. She had a Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Chicago, so it is not surprising that the details about archeology and Egyptian history seem (to my untrained eye at least) invariably accurate. The narrative is very well written, and though the pace seems leisurely, I guess that is what I was in the mood for because I found it difficult to put the book down as I followed Amelia and Evelyn’s adventures.
A few words of warning should be given, however. I said earlier that Amelia Peabody is “mostly” enlightened for a reason. Although for a Victorian British woman, Amelia is extremely enlightened from a feminist point of view, she still is a woman of her times from the point of view of paternalistic colonialism. I think her point of view is portrayed correctly from the standpoint of a British woman who is writing in the 19th century. But our modern sensibilities toward colonialism are not well represented.
If you’re interested in seeing other most recommended or popular Cozy Mystery authors/series, please visit the Most Popular & Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.
Mary Ellen says
I truly miss Elizabeth, Barbara, and Barbara. Her books never disappointed.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Mary, I know – it’s always sad when a favorite author passes.
TJ says
I loved this series, just fantastic! I learned so much about Egyptian history, characters are placed in actual historic events although they themselves are fictional. Characters are so well written , I still remember them. Sad when series ended.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
TJ, it’s definitely a fun series!
Marie says
I loved this series so much I’ve listened to it twice. Barbara Rosenblat does a fantastic job narrating this series. Just a delight.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marie, a great narrator definitely adds a lot to an audible book!
Karen says
Oh I adore these….and even better is listening to Barbara Rosenblatt read them audibly. These books just make me laugh!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Karen, a good narrator definitely brings a great book to life in a different way!
Gail S. says
Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels was one of my favorite authors. I have read all of her works several times. In my opinion she was one of the best female authors of the 20th century.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gail, she’s definitely one of the bests of the genre.
Ginger says
I love to take a break from the here-and-now mysteries I usually read, and I found Elizabeth Peters an exceptional set of stories to reach for. You’ve captured her attraction well! I think I’ve read most of the first 10 or 12 titles — I was trying to read them in order — but then I drifted off to books set in post WWI Britain, hooked by Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Ginger, it’s often a good idea to take a break in the middle of a really long series like this – it can be a nice “refresher” so you can come back later with a renewed appreciation.
barbara mesa says
Love these books. I have almost all of them!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Barbara, they’re definitely worth collecting!
Cathi Ceglie says
I loved all the Amelia Peabody books. And with the ancient Egyptian background setting, I was in my element.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Cathi, a good concept definitely helps make a book like this shine!
Judy Grundy says
Loved and still love them. I get a chuckle or two with some of it. Will pull one out occasionally reread it.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Judy, books like this are always worth a reread or two!
Maria V says
I really enjoy this series and have gone through it several times. Danna mentions the “leisurely pace.” I have this series on audiobook. Between the leisurely pace and the exciting content, it is a perfect series for audio format—plus the reader/performer does an excellent job. One thing to add to the review: there is an undercurrent of humor that is very enjoyable and helps balance out some of the over-the-top plot points. Oh and the real life discoverer of King Tut’s tomb is a recurring character. The timeline is all before his discovery and he is portrayed as a nice man with lots of perseverance but no success .
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Maria, you’re not the first to comment on the audiobook version – a great narrator can really help bring this sort of book to life!
J Stallard-Bond says
I agree with you. The ‘Peabody’ books are a rare treat into an era long past. The characters are unique and eventually seem to become friends of the reader. The series is in my collection. Another enjoyable oldie series was written by M.M. Kaye. Tea & Books
Danna - cozy mystery list says
J, I’ll have to check that one out too some time.
Lydia M says
I stumbled across this series in the library one day (back in the 70’s) and really enjoyed them! It became and remains a favorite.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lydia, I’m sure it was great to watch this series grow and evolve over the years!
Sue Kimmet says
I love her books, especially the Crocodile!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sue, they’re definitely excellent!
Andrea says
I adore this series and was so sad when I heard the author had died. I have even bought companion books to the series. Amelia Peabody’s Egypt. I even bought one of Barbara Mertz publications on Egypt. Have not tried the audiobook but after your comments I am going to check them out. Thanks as always for the posts and sharing comments.
Lannie H says
I have been reading Elizabeth Peters/Barbara Michaels books since I was 13 years old. I’m almost 60 now. I absolutely adore them. She is my all-time favourite author, and that’s saying a lot. Has anyone read the Vicky Bliss or the Jacqueline Kirby mysteries? Absolutely wonderful! Lannie H
Margaret Garmon says
Amelia Peters and Radcliff Emerson series is so enjoyable. And Ramses!! Thanks for sharing with this review.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Margaret, you’re very welcome!
Kristen says
I have read this author. So far I’ve only read the Amelia Peabody novel, Tomb of the Golden Bird.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Kristen, I hope you enjoyed that one as well.
Kriste says
Oh yes! In fact, it inspired me to write my own books.
Patricia Bradley says
This series is wonderful! It proceeds to become more and more complex, with scarier mysteries and truly evil villains, and gives a good accounting of both the progress of archeology and the politics of the Mideast as World War I approaches. Amelia acquires a family of intelligence and humor, and a great love with her husband.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Patricia, it’s always great when a series like this continues to grow and improve.
Suzanne Garcia says
Patricia, oh how exciting! I’m looking forward to it even more after reading your comment!
Suzanne Garcia says
I just recently read this book, thanks to you! I had a hold on it for the longest time at our library. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The writing was first rate, the story line so interesting! I very much enjoyed the development of the characters and the relationships. I’ve already placed a hold on the 2nd book 🙂 thank you so much for recommending! I would never have found it otherwise!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Suzanne, I’m glad that you enjoyed it, and that you connected with a great book through my recommendation!
Sue H says
I started reading Barbara Michaels when I was a teen-ager. She had the gift and skill of creating characters, places, and plots that invited you in completely. . .you were genuinely there and didn’t want to leave. The Amelia Peabody series was, to me, the finest expression of her gifts. I loved that series! She is one of the few authors that I re-read on a regular basis. Thanks so much for highlighting the intrepid Amelia!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sue, you’re welcome!
MJ says
I’m coming a bit late to this discussion. I haven’t read this series but it’s one of my daughter’s favorite series.
I think I’ve mentioned this before. One of the BEST mysteries ever is ‘Shattered Silk’ by Barbara Michaels (pseudonym).
Danna - cozy mystery list says
MJ, I don’t usually highlight stand-alone novels, but I might end up making an exception for that one.
Debi says
I love Elizabeth Peters’ books – both the Amelia Peabody series and the Vicki Bliss series. The last book in the Amelia Peabody series was finished by Joan Hess because Barbara Mertz died and the book was incomplete. Joan Hess, with her own 2 mystery series (Arly Hanks, and Claire Mallory) died herself shortly after she finished Elizabeth Peters book and it was published. I miss them both.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Debi, it’s always sad to see a favorite author pass, though it is nice in this case that the series was at least finished.
Laura A Canavan says
Love Amelia!!